When to comb natural/transitioning hair?

As a natural or transitioner combing our hair can be a daunting task. But through trial and error I have figured out when and what is best for my natural tresses.

The number one question people want to know is "how often should I comb my hair?" That is completely up to your lifestyle and what is convenient for you. I tend to only comb my hair when it is wet and saturated with a conditioner or moisturizer. NEVER comb your hair dry! Most likely you will end up with broken strands. Therefore, I only comb on wash days and if and when I co-wash. I can go days without combing my hair; finger combing is a great way to keep your hair presentable. Since I am hiding my hair under a wig, I have no reason to even comb my hair on a daily basis.

The only tool that you will really need to comb your tresses with the least amount of breakage would be a wide tooth comb(preferably a bone comb). A denman brush is also a great investment.

Less combing = Less manipulation = More hair retention=Long hair

Since I stopped combing frequently(I comb maybe every 2 weeks) this year I have retained so much more hair and I have experienced less breakage.
Find out what works for you but remember to always have your strands coated before putting a comb near it.

The best styles for not combing:
wigs
braids
updos
braid-outs/twist outs
wash and gos

picture source: images

Transitioning/Natural hair tips continued...

I was asked by a reader, if I had any tips for growing hair long. She is considering going natural(chemical-free hair) and asked if I had any tips on achieving long hair in the process.
Well, I did a post on the topic of natural hair and my journey so far to natural hair. It has been an incredible ride thus far.
If I had to type my hair, I would be a 4a/3c in the back. Hair typing is pretty lame in my opinion, because most people have an array of textures. It does allow you to understand your hair a bit better, but that knowledge will come with it or not. Check out curlyhairsalon for hair typing pictures and information.
My tips are still consistent to my previous post, Thinking About Going Natural. Keeping it simple is key. I don't do too much to my hair. I leave it alone and go on with my business.

My regimen is:

• wash hair weekly- Preferably with a sulfate-free shampoo. Shampoos with sulfate tend to strip the hair of its natural oils.
  
• deep condition- I usually deep condition using a heating cap for 30minutes to an hour. I currently have a heating cap but will probably invest in a Pibbs dryer soon. I have been slacking on this for the past month and I can already tell the difference
• moisturize daily- my natural hair tends to get dry alot quicker then when I was relaxed. It drinks up moisture! Products that I recommend, raw shea butter or cantu shea butter
• Vitamins- Biotin, castor oil, vitamin C, and multi-vitamin. Trying to get back to taking these daily. Not only for my hair but overall health.

My No-Nos

• HEAT- I can't stress this enough, frequent heat will not only fry your hair if not applied correctly but will destroy your curls. I recommend flat ironing only 1-2times a week, preferably with a ceramic iron...NOT ceramic COATED
• COMBING NATURAL HAIR DRY- You will rip your pretty hair. Causing breakage and thin ends. Please only comb and detangle hair when wet with conditioner
• NOT WEARING A SATIN BONNET OR SLEEPING ON A SILK PILLOW CASE at night
  
  

See, I keep it very simple. I lack the time and energy for over the top regimens.
Some websites I would recommend that have an overload of helpful information are:

Long Hair Care Forum
Grow Afro Hair Long

I don't have any secret concoctions, but I will say that growing hair long is not a challenge. Find a regimen that works(might take some time) and have patience. Your hair will not grow over night. Any questions, feel free to contact me.

---Antoinette Whitaker

Thinking about going natural...

I never really thought about going natural until I began my quest for waist length hair. At the time I just wanted to have relaxed waist length hair, I tried many methods to keep my hair strong and for it to grow at it's full potential. One of these methods was stretching my relaxer; December 2006 I stretched my relaxer for six months. That was the longest that I had ever gone without a relaxer and my hair was not unmanageable at all. In fact I was obsessed with the texture and appearance of my new growth. I had hand in hair syndrome. The thought of being natural intrigued me. So I began my research. I was on every natural hair friendly board on the WWW and I would stalk the hair albums of natural women. Then one day I just took the plunge...

"I'm going to go natural."

I am 8 months 3 weeks in my natural hair journey.


It has not been an easy one at that and this will be my third attempt at it. I have learned a couple things that have allowed the transition to be a lot smoother and easier then my first and second attempt.

1. 
   
   
   Water is your friend: Water is the heaven of all moisturizers. I wet my hair every day and it has been a life saver. Natural hair can get extremely dry and the fact that my hair is colored causes it to get even drier. My hair is never thirsty and I've even noticed increased growth when applying water to my hair daily.


2. 
   
   
   Heat is your enemy: Well not necessarily your enemy, but too much heat is not good --relaxed, transitioning, or natural. I choose not to use heat more then once a week because I do not want to lose my curl definition--by consistently applying it. And when I do use heat, a heat protectant is used prior to the iron touching my hair.


3. 
   
   
   Protective Styling is queen: Protecting my hair through certain styles has helped my process drastically. I no longer have to worry about dealing with the two or more textures or what I am going to do with my hair. Buns, braids, weaves, twists, twist outs, cornrows, wigs--are all examples of protective styles


4. 
   
   
   Block the Haters Out: Don't share your natural journey with individuals who are going to discourage you. Nobody has to know--except those who will provide positive reinforcement. When I started my journey, I was lucky to have supportive people like my mother who was natural at the time, so I never really had to deal with it at home. But my (ex) man at the time was a different story. Excuse me?, how does my hair affect your well being?


5. 
   
   
   Enjoy the Journey: Embrace your natural curls, take pictures documenting your journey, play in your hair, come up with homemade concoction's, and most of all have fun!